Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Iyanla Vanzant Daily Stimu-Mail – LIVING A LEGACY

Iyanla Vanzant is the founder and executive director of Inner Visions International and the Inner Visions Institute for Spiritual Development. She is the author of 13 titles—including five New York Times bestsellers—and the Inner Visions CD Series. Peace from Broken Pieces: How to Get Through What You’re Going Through has been published by SmileyBooks and available here. Iyanla is a Spiritual Technician. She is a Master Teacher. She is a woman of passion, clear vision and purpose, with a wicked sense of humor. Ordinary? Maybe. We think Dr. Maya Angelou's description is much more appropriate. Iyanla is, by many accounts, a Phenomenal Woman!

I will know peace when . . .
I make spiritual wealth a priority.

Many people struggle or work hard to attain material wealth. Once you achieve it, you must struggle and work hard to maintain and protect what you have attained. In the midst of the struggle and hard work, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that material wealth and power can only serve you in this lifetime.

How much material wealth do you think Harriet Tubman left for her heirs? How many stock options did Denmark Vesey pass on to his children? They discovered that freedom of the mind, body and spirit was of the utmost importance. They realized that you need not own a great deal to do a great deed. They left a legacy that was created by the way in which they lived their lives.

So very often, the things we struggle and work to achieve enslave us. Our desires hold us captive. A philosopher once said, "Success is not having much but wanting little." The little refers to material wealth. Our desires and accomplishments in the material realm have no meaning whatsoever in the spiritual realm. In fact, the struggle to accomplish often creates mental and emotional discord. While there is nothing inherently wrong with the pursuit of physical comfort, material wealth or power, it is important to remember that there are some things equally as important, fulfilling and more lasting. Pursuit of these things often brings us an experience of peace and worthiness that money cannot buy.

Until today, you may have sacrificed your peace of mind and balance of your spirit to the pursuit of material wealth. Just for today, examine whether or not your quest is a blessing or a curse. Ask yourself what it is that you can leave behind aside from wealth.

Today, I am devoted to living a spirit-filled, peace-filled life and leaving a legacy that is more valuable than money!